coastal-Victorian maker, Peta Armstrong, coming soon!
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introducing Erica Sandgren
Emerging Adelaide jewellery artist, Erica Sandgren, creates statement pieces with her
handmade resin beads, sustainable timber & hand-knitted cord. It was a test in patience, waiting for Erica to complete her honours so she had time to make her jewellery for the store. Well worth the wait, I might add!
tell us about your creative background & studies
I completed my Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2013 majoring in Jewellery + Metal and my Honours in 2014. I have been creating wearable works since my bachelors degree after deciding on my jewellery major.
how did your craft begin and how has it evolved to this day?
I started my bachelors degree knowing I was creative but not knowing where my talents would best fit. I took classes in different mediums with the idea that photography would be my backup option. When I started taking jewellery classes, I actually didn’t enjoy it as much as other classes, but for some reason I felt like it fit. I decided to pursue it though and never looked back. Deciding to do my honours was a big turning point. I wasn’t sure where my practice was going at the end of my bachelors and my honours helped me refine my making style and thought process.
'I never imagined I would be a jewellery artist, it just kind of evolved.'
is there anything you’d like to share about your creative process?
I can be quite experimental with my making process and tend work on multiple projects at once. I strive to create works that are unique and completely individual, so my customers have their own handmade piece that is different to anyone else's.
is there anything or anyone that inspires you or your work?
I am inspired by many things which can sometimes be hard to define. Colour is a major inspiration for me. Different colour combinations and tones are constantly explored and experimented with, in my work. I’m inspired by . . . other jewellers and artists, their work and how they approach their making . . . the world around me and different aspects in nature. There are many things and it changes constantly. It’s only when I’m caught up in one project that I am generally solely inspired by one thing.
'stay true to who you are and continue to experiment'
what has your creative journey been like so far?
A bit of a roller coaster. Studying (especially my honours) pushed me to limits I didn’t realise were possible. It also gave me opportunities (exhibitions, stockists etc.) that may not have been possible without continuing to study and pushing my practice. It has been interesting creating and refining my own style of making and continuing to exhibit and be part of creative events . . . it has helped me continue to grow as an artist and maker.
what’s one of the most important things you’ve learnt about being an artist?
Oh that’s a tough one. Probably to stay true to who you are and continue to experiment. I think it’s important to make sure you are making/creating work that inspires you and makes you want to keep experimenting or exploring your materials/subject matter.
is there anything you hope your artwork brings into people’s lives?
I’d like to think I create work that brings a little happiness into people’s lives. I also hope people see an individuality and handmade quality that they connect with and appreciate.
what’s one of the most exciting things to happen in your creative career so far?
Well because I’m still emerging, in my eyes, everything and anything that happens is pretty exciting! Each and every thing that has happened in my creative career is super exciting, the big and the small.
'I strive to create works that are unique & completely individual'
what do you love most about Australia?
I love Australia’s landscape and people. I think it has a beautiful sense of space . . .
especially outside of the cities, but even in the cities - well Adelaide - in comparison to countries and cities overseas. I was born in England to an English mother and American father and although I loved growing up as a child in England, and visiting family in America, and am very happy we moved to Australia and call this beautiful country home. I am also honoured to be among the makers and creatives in Australia as I believe they are some of the best.
thanks for sharing with us, Erica . . .
it's great to finally have your jewels in the store!
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visit Erica's maker page to view her collection
meet Holly Marlin
I first discovered Holly Marlin's weavings on Instagram late last year . . . colourful yarns & cruetly-free fibres woven into organic-shapes & suspended from driftwood. I was in love, with what Holly calls, 'fatties' - chunky weavings made from pure wool roving. Holly's wall hangings have been gracing the store for a few months now so it's about time you were introduced to this talented Newcastle-based weaver!
Holly has been crafty ever since she was young . . .
from the days when her Great Aunt Flo taught her how to knit and crochet.
tell us about your creative background/studies
My sister was very artistic (and competitive!) when we were growing up, so I took the path of least resistance and followed a scientific path instead, crafting on the side. But the creative urge eventually won out, and I ended up studying photography and then interior design while working as an Environmental Scientist. I particularly loved photography, and even started a portrait photography business with my husband, but that fell by the wayside when I discovered weaving a couple of years ago.
how did your craft begin and how has it evolved to this day?
Like many weavers out there at the moment, I first discovered weaving through Maryanne Moodie. I was following her on Facebook when she started posting pictures of amazing textiles, and I just had to learn how to make them! I attended one of her beginner courses, which taught the basic stitches… on the drive home afterwards, my mind was exploding with ideas and possibilities. I have been researching, learning and experimenting ever since. I’m currently working on combining weaving with macramé, crochet, and other off-loom techniques.
Holly's handwoven wall-hangings are made with organic cruelty-free fibres,
like non-mulesed wool & peace silk, and are mounted on locally-foraged driftwood.
A collection of her beautiful weavings can be found in the store.
I asked Holly to share a little about her creative process . . .
My materials primarily guide my creative process – they tend to direct the work rather than me directing them! Every piece tends to start with finding a beautiful yarn or fibre and seeing where it takes me.
what inspires you? do you search for inspiration or does it find you?
My materials are the greatest inspiration . . . I am drawn to interesting, natural materials (the more uneven and rustic the better!) and particularly love ones that have been minimally processed. The concepts of wabi sabi and sustainability are also key inspirations for my work.
what has your creative journey been like so far?
Difficult. Exciting. Exhilarating. Stressful. Rewarding. Frustrating!
one of the most important things Holly has learnt about being an artist . . .
'External validation doesn’t keep the doubt demons away – it only makes them stronger'
do you have any insight or advice to share with inspiring artists?
I really struggled for a while (and still do, really) with pieces I make that I don’t like. I've felt that I shouldn’t put work out there that I don’t absolutely love. But then I discovered that some people love the pieces I hate! Different pieces speak to different people, so you don’t have to love everything you make. The pieces that you don't love have value – to you, for the lessons they teach, and to others who may love them just the way they are.
is there anything you hope your artwork brings into people’s live?
I hope people fall in love with my work, and that it gives them joy for many years.
what’s one of the most exciting things to happen in your creative career so far?
It’s always a thrill for me when people love my work, but the most exciting times are when I push my boundaries, try something new, and it turns out better than I hoped it would!
Holly's mini cotton weaving (right) is featured in the new Spring issue of Peppermint
what do you love most about Australia?
No matter where I go in the world, I’ll always come home for Haigh's.
Thank you for sharing, Holly . . .
it's a joy to have your stunning work in the store.
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Holly is the first person I know to relate Australia to chocolate!
( International readers - Haigh's is a 100 yr-old Australian chocolate company )
The Sugar Hit for Yen Mag
'Skater's High Tea'
by The Sugar Hit for Yen Mag . . .
featuring ceramics by Elnaz Nourizadeh & Susan Simonini
exclusive to the store
the shoot is colourful, punchy & makes you super hungry!
production by the amazing Diana Campbell of The Third Row
- styled & photographed + recipes by Sarah Coates of The Sugar Hit
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Sarah Coates, the 'gorgeous, talented wench' behind The Sugar Hit, has had her amazing sweet-induced recipes featured on Design Sponge & Huffington Post, to name-drop just a few.
And her new recipe book, 'The Sugar Hit' was released only yesterday!
I refuse to discuss the fact she is only 24.
featured wares from Skater's High Tea . . .
large platter by Elnaz Nourizadeh
stoneware tumblers by Susan Simonini & island mug by Elnaz Nourizadeh
Have a read of Yen Mag to see more cool pics of Elnaz & Susan's ceramics as well other awesome wares from local artists & indie stores.
the 'skater high tea' recipes will be on Sarah's blog over the next couple of weeks . . .
keep an eye on her instagram for updates!
big shout-out to Diana, Sarah & Yen Mag
for supporting Australian makers & local independent retailers
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Peppermint - Spring 2015 feature
what a delight to see four artists from the store
featured in the new Spring issue of Peppermint magazine . . .
yes, I did a little happy dance!
The feature, aptly titled 'homegrown', is filled with locally-made wares as well as ethically-made pieces from independent local retailers.
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Styled & photographed by Nicolette Johnson
& production by Diana Campbell of the Third Row.
the featured makers & their wares . . .
organic fibre weaving by Holly Marlin / reclaimed timber spreaders by Elkcraft
silvery-winged paper dugongs by Benconservato / stoneware tumblers by Susan Simonini
High-five to Diana, Nicolette & Peppermint for supporting
Australian makers & local indie retailers with this beautiful shoot!
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fresh deliveries of tasty new stock
so much goodness has arrived over the last couple of weeks
& the excitement has been too much !
here's a snapshot of just some of the new arrivals . . .
Lisa Peri stoneware - visit her makers page.
More of Lisa's work arriving next week.
resin & timber jewellery by South Australian artist, Erica Sandgren
at long last, more nerikomi vessels by Ruby Pilven...
& more bling rings & half-moon necklaces will be listed by the weekend
striking tea-bowl collection by Pete Pilven
a well-established potter with over 40 years working with clay !
and yes, you've guessed right - Pete is Ruby's dad
delicate coloured-porcelain by Melbourne-based Hatchling Studio
all the new arrivals have inspired a fresh & simple home page . . .
lisa peri dish, ruby pilven rings & a sprig of lilli pilli from the garden :)
Keep an eye out for interviews with Lisa, Erica, Pete & Hatchling Studio. And there's two new artists landing next week . . . you'll get a sneak peek as soon as stock arrives. As always, I'll keep you in the loop via instagram.
the new issue of Peppermint is out today!!
you better grab a copy to see some of the lovely things from the store.
- more on that soon!
emma
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